IMPERIAL MOTH and rosy maple MOTH
Imperial Moth. This is one of our more common silkworm moths. They have a wingspan range from 3 inches to more than 6 inches.
A Rosy Maple Moth dangles from a vine, revealing its soft pink abdomen. This individual was photographed in southern Ohio, at the Edge of Appalachia preserve in Adams County, on July 3, 2016.
A beautiful pink and yellow Rosy Maple Moth, photographed at Hocking Hills (eastern Ohio) on May 13, 2018. Rosy Maple Moths are one of the smallest silkworm moths in our area, but they are very pretty when the colors are fresh. These moths seem to be more common in eastern Ohio than the southwestern corner of the state. I have only found a few individuals at my home UV lights, despite a large number of maple trees around my house.
Another Imperial Moth, resting in a maple tree in my backyard. I find Imperial Moths mostly in June and July (and I have one early sighting on May 31st).
I found this Rosy Maple Moth at my UV lights on June 17, 2020. It is one of the few individuals that have shown up at my home lights.
Female Imperial Moths are larger and less heavily marked than the males. Males usually have more extensive dark purplish-brown splotches.
Imperial Moths, like many other large moths, are very "tame" and can easily be coaxed onto your hand or finger. The general rule is that the larger the moth, the more likely it is to be "tame."
This Rosy Maple Moth was hanging out at Cedar Bog in Urbana on June 4, 2021. Notice that the color pattern is darker than the individual above. These moths are somewhat variable in their patterns.